What Are Weed Withdrawal Symptoms?


In This Article
If you’ve been using marijuana and then suddenly stopped, you might experience withdrawal symptoms. The severity of these symptoms typically depends on various factors like how much weed you take, how often you use the substance, and your overall health.
Common Symptoms of Cannabis Withdrawal
Withdrawal symptoms happen because your body is trying to get used to not having THC (delta- 9-tetrahydrocannabinol). THC is the main ingredient responsible for cannabis’s psychoactive effects.
Some common symptoms of cannabis withdrawal include:
- Mood changes: You may experience irritability, mood swings, and depression
- Sleep disturbances: Insomnia, strange dreams, and other sleep disturbances are common during withdrawal
- Physical symptoms: These can include headaches, sweating, chills, stomach problems, and decreased appetite
- Cravings for cannabis: A strong desire to use cannabis again to alleviate withdrawal symptoms
- Anxiety and restlessness: Feelings of nervousness, anxiety, and restlessness
- Weight loss: Some people may experience a significant reduction in appetite, leading to weight loss.
- Other symptoms: Symptoms such as tremors, sweating, headache, chills, nausea, and stomach pain have also been reported.
Duration of Cannabis Withdrawal Symptoms
Symptoms usually start within the first or second day after quitting. Symptoms will typically be at their worst for 2 to 6 days.
After 3 weeks, most physical symptoms should fade. But you’ll still feel some cravings alongside psychological and emotional symptoms.
After 5 weeks, you’ll experience sleep disturbances and strange dreams. Some psychological symptoms might continue for even longer.
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How to Manage Cannabis Withdrawal
Going through a withdrawal can be uncomfortable, if not painful. Fortunately, there are ways to manage your symptoms.
Here are some self-help strategies to help you manage withdrawal.
- Stay hydrated
- Prioritize sleep
- Have a healthy diet
- Exercise regularly
- Reduce or limit caffeine use
- Reach out for support from loved ones
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Treatment for Weed Withdrawal
While cannabis withdrawal is usually less severe than with some other substances, it can still be a difficult experience. Though there aren’t medications specifically for cannabis withdrawal, there are ways to get support and manage your symptoms:
- Inpatient treatment: Involves checking yourself into a rehab facility for 24-hour medical supervision
- Outpatient treatment: A treatment program where you are freely allowed to leave the rehab facility
- Medical detox: Helps minimize uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms with medication and monitoring
- Therapy: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and other therapies aid in managing withdrawal and recovery
- Support groups: The community and encouragement found in support groups are vital for staying on track
If you’re experiencing cannabis withdrawal, it’s important to get support. This could be from loved ones or through professional treatment to help you manage the process and prevent relapse.
You could also contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) national helpline for treatment and resources: 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
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- Connor et al. “Clinical management of cannabis withdrawal.” Addiction, 2022.
- Bonnet U, & Preuss U. “The cannabis withdrawal syndrome: current insights.” Subst Abuse Rehabil, 2017.
- NIDA. “Is marijuana addictive?” National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2021.
- Bahji et al. “Prevalence of Cannabis Withdrawal Symptoms Among People With Regular or Dependent Use of Cannabinoids: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.” JAMA Netw Open, 2020.
- NIDA. “What is marijuana?” National Institute on Drug Abuse, 2023.
- Connor et al. “Clinical management of cannabis withdrawal.” Addiction, 2022.

